Ellendale Opera House

Built in 1909, this Main Street landmark is being restored as a cultural hub for the community.

One of the building's restored storefronts – the Kenneth C. Schmierer Gallery – hosts monthly art exhibits from April through October.

Visit www.ellendaleoperahouse.com for calendar of exhibits and special events.

For tours of the building – listed on the National Register of Historic Places – call or text 701-535-0347.

The 700-seat theater on the building's second floor once hosted traveling acting troupes and musical acts to attract rural residents from the surrounding area.

The building's first floor provided space for commercial stores while the second floor housed professional offices. Today, a dedicated non-profit group – O.P.E.R.A., Inc., or Organization of People in Ellendale for Restoration of the Arts – owns and operates the opera house.

After renovation of the building commercial spaces is complete, the group plans to restore the upstairs theater to host community events and musical performances.

Each Friday, from April through October, a lunch is served by O.P.E.R.A. members between 11:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. Donations are accepted with proceeds going toward restoration.

Ellendale is located in south central North Dakota, 40 miles north of Aberdeen, S.D., on US Highway 281.